Environmental research

The proposed project site is within the vicinity of Matsieng Royal Palace. It comprises the Principal chief s office which has at least 7/8 pit latrines with about 4 abandoned and not rehabilitated; the Local Court with 6/7 latrines; the archives building with an additional 2 with an open urinary (horrible smell) and it is on the side of the Royal household entrance. All of these are within a radius of about 300m and these exclude the Matsieng village. This indicates the existence of an environmentally hazardous situation and an unsafe environment for the health and well being of the Matsieng inhabitants. Because the project focus is on production of biogas from human waste, it is highly possible that initially it will not be accepted by the community. That notwithstanding, this is an opportunity not to be missed because once the system is introduced within the parameters of the Royal Palace, the community will associate it with Their Majesties. This will automatically remove the stigma likely to be attached to it which prevents its adoption as a renewable energy technology. The project will serve as a pilot awareness initiative of environmentally friendly waste management system, which has a potential of getting people to convert their toilets to Dewat system, not only to enhance livelihoods through production of free water for irrigation, gas for cooking but also to care for the environment. In short, the project will be a contribution towards various global efforts of mitigating the negative effects of climate change. This confirms that an environmental threat, which can be categorized within some of GEF focal areas, exists and warrants an intervention by GEF/SGP. If a better sanitation is not adopted, unsustainable land use practices such as continuous unplanned and unprotected digging of pits will continue.

Lesotho